JAMIE MacDONALD found it strange watching the Edinburgh derby from afar on Sunday – but is thrilled to have a new rivalry to revel in when Falkirk face Dunfermline tonight.

The keeper signed a 12-month deal with the Bairns after his 14-year association with Hearts was brought to a shock end this summer.

Viewing his old club’s 2-1 win over Hibs as an outsider was an unusual experience for the 28-year-old.

But after enjoying so many highs in capital clashes he is determined to help the Bairns savour derby success against Dunfermline in the Petrofac Training Cup.

MacDonald said: “It was a little strange on Sunday. It’s the first time in three or four years I haven’t been involved in an Edinburgh derby.

“But I’ve moved on and Falkirk v Dunfermline is a bit of a derby.

“You want to play in games with some real atmosphere and get a win for your fans.”

Rookie Jack Hamilton was between the sticks for the Jambos on Sunday after injuries to Neil Alexander and Scot Gallacher. But MacDonald wasn’t surprised to see the 20-year-old impress after training with him regularly.

He said: “I know Jack really well and he was different class on Sunday, making his debut in a derby.

“I trained with him a lot. He is an excellent young talent and has a great chance of being a top keeper.”

Dunfermline head into tonight’s clash on a downer after taking just one point from their first two League One games.

But boss Jim Jefferies is hoping a derby in the cup will spark his players back to life.

Jeff, who won this trophy in 1993 with Falkirk, said: “It is an ideal game and one that will definitely give us a lift if we can get a victory.

“They beat us last year in the League Cup so it would be nice to get one over on them. We have home advantage this time and hopefully there will be another big crowd.”